Hi Sibi, love reading your blog! Always feel drawn by the relevance of the content to our times as well as the unique socio- psychological analysis that you bring to any topic that you deal! Great job!

Cyber dairies by Mr Sibichen sir are very informative and very simple to read for all with clarity of thoughts. Mr Sibichen sir effort to communicate ideas through creative writing in all walks of life is laudable.

Informative, educative and engaging! For the common man! My best wishes Sibichenji!

Sir, sparkling conversations brought live by pressing the ‘MEMORY RECALL BUTTON’ Reading the article is akin to sitting down for a mentoring session with an enlightened personality. It is a rich collection of insights. wisdom of the elders distilled impressively on a wide range of issues. How we can learn from our own history? Sir, you have dealt with these questions head -on by focussing and examining it thoughtfully. Brilliantly ‘ORIGINAL’! For any one who wants to benefit from their ‘own’ family history the first choice should be to read this blog. Expect many more such thought provoking articles/blogs from u sir! Has potential/theme for a book! As an already an established writer u may give thought to it Sir.

The posts here aren’t superficial and they tend to go deep into the truth of whatever is discussed. I wish a few of our decision-makers also got to read these posts… just might help the country in some way.

This is the place to come to when you need dollops of intelligent thought, prudent action, relentless optimism and socially responsible ideas. Not to speak of Sibichen’s great command of the language.

I like all the posts in this blog for 2 reasons…very informative and very simple to read.

Most of the posts are not only thought provoking but also can be well read and understood by common man. the language used is simple and carries a lot of meaning to the subject. the clarity of mind and the flow of thought process is penned down beautifully by Sibi Sir….for the honest words, thoughts, feelings and emotions reflected in his blog, he truly deserves the AWARD.

We need more blogs like this written by folks with high public authority and knowledge which show/testify/encourage how we can/need be more responsible to each other, on how we can grow together.

Simple. Honest. Engaging.

I’ve always found his blog very useful, thought provoking, and true. It has served me to ask myself questions that are directional in nature.

Highly informative and thought-provoking posts…I recommend every citizen to go through the blog and gain awareness. All the Best, Sibi Sir! 🙂

Sibichen, I had the opportunity to interact with you several times during our year long IIM, Bangalore program. You always came across as a very well-groomed, evolved, suave and polished personality full of refreshing ideas. I now went through some of the articles in your cyber diary and was impressed by the wide range of ideas and issues discussed with remarkable clarity, honesty and candour.

Simply written but with layers of complexity in it. Leaves the ending to the reader’s imagination. Nicely done

Sibichen, I appreciate the way you make sure that you give a sociological as well as legal framework to many of the issues on hand

Good read, Sibichen Sir. As you commented above there is no guarantee that after increasing prices, newspapers will reduce the ads. Greedy lot will always be there. For eg when HD channels started it was promised it would be ad free and their revenue would come from higher subscription fees. But now we see ads in HD channels as well. In tomorrow’s world, people will be dependent on internet feeds and news websites for their news. The quality of news in news papers have declined over the ages and now everyone has an agenda or biasness. The front pages of leading national newspapers sometimes are embarrassing to keep in family room. (on the article Are you ready to pay for the ‘real’ news?)

…each one was travelling in their own self made parallel lines…..boy and girl they never met actually…..both were in their own self constructed islands..Girl’s strong feelings and boys indifference resulted in selective perception of each other causing the end…..and beginning.. Clear and appealing story ! on  The unborn love

Excellent work by Sibichen in bringing out the view points of such eminent personalities to us. My few thoughts- Vision of Mohandas Pai is not simple, it is the ultimate aim of any human society but most challenging to achieve in a country like ours- we have to take step by step just as happened during last few months through judgements of SC and by forced withdrawal of ordinance and bills by the Govt. The next big step in this direction would be taken when the middle class people would vote as visioned by Jay Panda. This will force the polity to change miraculously. Judicial process (Appeals) will now get in fast forward mode, as visioned by Lt Gen (Retd.) Halagali, as the politicians had started losing seats on lower court conviction. The lower court judiciary will also get in fast forward mode if Politicians are debarred from fighting election and they lose seats in legislature after charges are framed against them in hienous crimes. Hopefully SC will again come up with another on The Bangalore Literature Festival and a few thoughts to ponder

I remember a joke I read long back. A man shows the visitor his dog and says “He is like a member of our family.” The visitor, a tax man retorts, “But that doesn’t give you the right to mention him as a dependent in your tax returns and claim tax breaks.” Tax is something that is so entrenched in our psyche that it has even become part of our jokes, movies and day to day conversations. I can immediately remember at least 2 popular Indian movies around the theme of taxation: ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Special 26’. One of the most important events we remember in our freedom struggle was Gandhi’s Dandi march which was against the salt tax. But ironically though taxation is a topic which holds a lot of emotional baggage, if we come to think of it, our intellectual understanding of the same is rather limited. We do not even want to understand the technical details of the annual taxes we file and prefer to outsource it off to a professional. This book, “Making People Pay” gives us an opportunity to gain a holistic understanding of this esoteric yet so relevant topic. (KARTHIK LAKSHMINARAYANA B Tech (IIT Chennai) MBA (IIM Ahmedabad), is with Accenture Management Consulting. He is an author and a blogger.)

Sibichen aptly illustrates the significance of everyday leadership in nurturing productivity at workplace. The author’s easy style of writing, coupled with anecdotes, will strike a chord with every working professional. (N R Narayana Murthy, Chairman Emeritus, Infosys Ltd on ‘When the Boss is Wrong’)

Some one made a cynical and uncharitable remark that for one half of us intellectual effort is painful – and for the other half, impossible. The eminently readable “Making People Pay” by Sibichen Mathew indicates that great intellectual effort is still enjoyable for men of Mathew’s genre. We thank God for such gifted men who think deeply and passionately on the implications of the role of the Government in one of its important departments.

The easily comprehensible presentation of various leadership issues and the practical solutions offered for ensuring cordial and meaningful relations between bosses and team members make the book ‘When the Boss is Wrong’ a must-read for everyone.

The insights shared by Sibichen have enormous implications for policy makers and administrators not only in India but also to those in other developing countries.

The approach of Sibichen K Mathew in dissecting the compliance issues with an interdisciplinary perspective is not only unique in this area of study but also academically enriching. I found the chapter ‘Economics of Taxation’ particularly interesting, as the author has examined the theme from both the angles of ‘economics as a process’ and ‘economics as a discipline’

We get shaped by the people we have worked for. The book ‘When the Boss is Wrong’ reminded me not to do unto others what I find obnoxious!’.

The practicality in the Sibichen’s analysis in his book ‘Making People Pay’ is amply clear when he records that taxpayers who express a particular type of attitude may not behave in the same way in a real-life decision-making situation. 

(Padmashri T N MANOHARAN, Govt appointed director in Satyam Computers Group post-scam, Recipient of Business Leadership Award from NDTV and Indian of the Year Award from CNN-IBN)

After reading the book, the reader gets ample evidence of why he should contribute to the exchequer. Similarly, the govt. officials are made aware of their responsibilities of accounting and managing the public wealth. The underlying purpose of taxation is after all is to bring about a social state viz. reduce economic disparity and harmonize earnings potential of the public. It is therefore highly recommended for each and every conscious citizen to read the book. This will not only enhance his knowledge on taxation but also change his point of view towards the tax regime.

(Anil Kulkarni FCA is Dubai based CFO, presently working in Cairo)

Anyone having some experience in an organization and worked in different offices would have come across almost all types of bosses delineated in the book ‘When the Boss is Wrong’). Angularities, Idiosyncrasies, character disorders, narrow-mindedness, sometimes sheer cussedness of the bosses would become talking point among subordinates. In the intermediate levels, Boss and Subordinates are relative terms – one may be a Boss and at the same time subordinate to another. The book holds a mirror to our face to see what we really are and is prescriptive for making corrections. Anecdotes, apt quotes, occasional wry comments, avoidance of management jargons rendered the reading a pleasant experience while the cartoon illustration added flavor.

TJ Ignatious via Amazon.in

For fairly good time I have been looking forward to speak to you and congratulate you for the book ‘Making People Pay’ written by you.  I find it quite informative and interesting as well. You deserve all the praise for having successfully endeavored it and it is highly creditable having achieved it at such a young age. Some others who read portions  of it have also liked it. My son who is a CA and is working with KPMG in the Gulf has also liked it much. He has inquired if you have a soft copy of it which can be e  mailed.

With great effort I could locate your email ID at the end of the book which was not very prominently written. Had you mentioned your contact details i.e. Phone No., email ID etc. at some prominent place,  I am sure you would have got much more encouraging words of feedback. In any case, it makes us feel happy and proud of you.  I will be looking forward to seeing you and please do meet whenever you happen to Delhi side.
Best wishes

Regards,
Ashok K Manchanda
Chief Commissioner, Indian Revenue Service

The author covers the often reported “Horrible Bosses” scenarios, where the boss is a bully or completely uninterested in his current job and takes every opportunity to wiggle out of a difficult situation. Then there are bosses who like to parade achievements of the team members as their own to earn some brownie points from their bosses.The author has managed to stress the negative traits in every employee and the role organizations must play in this. The most damaging impact of all this negativity is loss of productivity. When The Boss is Wrong is a book I would like to see in every organization’s library or strewn across lounges and coffee tables.

I have enjoyed reading the book.
This is a wide-ranging, scholarly, yet very readable volume focused on intriguing question of why (or why not) do people pay taxes. While much of the book centers on the income tax system in present day India, Mathew’s research includes, as well, experiences drawn from other times and other countries thus making clear that the tendency of trying to evade the tax collector is universal in time and space. 

Since the success of an income tax system (indeed, of any tax) relies as heavily on its administration as on its structure, anyone interested in direct taxation, particularly income taxation in India (and other developing countries), is likely to find this work highly valuable.

We have all experienced it at one time or another: an unethical boss, messiah boss, a jealous boss, a boss who makes poor decisions that continue to baffle you.

The book talks about the secret behind successful leadership narrating the wrongs of bosses in the making and unmaking of an organisation, the role played by a boss is crucial.

Technology lags between generations within the organisation has been rightly highlighted in the book .This book is simply practical and linked to real life. Even I have the similar experience with some bosses whom I had interacted. The book was really interesting and connected to our day to day life.

Making People Pay by Dr. Sibichen K. Mathew is a comprehensive analysis of attitudes and behaviours relating to tax compliance and tax evasion. The analysis is at once interdisciplinary, theoretical and empirical as well as micro and macro in its approach. This pioneering study deserves to be read by all citizens, particularly policy makers and implementers, social scientists and tax payers; even by tax evaders as it holds a moral mirror unto them.

‘When the Boss is wrong’ is an excellent book on ‘Management’ which explains the attitudes of different types of bosses. The presentation made inside the book by Dr. Sibichen K. Mathew shows that the book has been written after a thorough research by the author. Hats off to Dr. Sibichen K. Mathew. I wish that in future too many more such excellent books may be published by him which are essential for the practical application of ‘Management’ in most of the business firms.

My dear Sibichen,

I avoided the temptation to write to you before reading all the chapters of your book.  I am with my daughter at Philadelphia for some weeks now, so i could read the book.The book is unique. Unique because it is exhaustive; many facets of taxation are expertly dealt based  on vast and deep knowledge; Also unique in presentation and language and in giving historical perspective.It is based on field studies- giving unique flavour to the desserts in chapters 8 and 9. I am really proud that the author is from the IRS.
 My hearty congratulations on the excellent authorship

The book is not wrong about when the boss is wrong. Sibichen expresses what he wants to in quite simple style, but retaining an emphatic undertone as well. He talks about the characteristics that make a bad boss, but also, in a way, emphasizes how the boss can change, or what the characteristics of a good boss could be. I wouldn’t say it was a favorite read, but it was definitely an engaging and interesting book. It would appeal to a lot of people.

I read the book ‘Making people pay’, and enjoyed reading it. This is a very useful resource for those who are interested in the area of public finance .

Dr Sony Pellissery (by E Mail)
National Law School of India University

An amazing ‘unputdownable’ book. A must read for all those who like to know more about interactions at work place…

Dear Sibichen,

I am going through your book and thought that I’d drop you a line to express my admiration and amazement at your grasp over the complex socio-psychological determinants and impulses of our taxation system. It is truly a unique attempt to bring into one book so many different aspects and dimensions of the issue. Your broad approach to, and huge, all-encompassing perspective on, the subject are fascinating. At the same time, you have infused some of your characteristic humour and lightness at places, so that the reading does not become too heavy..
I must say that ever since I joined the department I was looking for just such a book which would enrich my understanding of our milieu and perspectives as a taxman entrusted with what everyone keeps describing as an unpleasant and thankless job! I never found one, and zealously cut out and preserved newspaper features instead whenever I felt that these gave me some inkling of my role and profile as a taxman in our rapidly emerging economy. Now, your book has fulfilled that quest at last! I am particularly impressed by Ch 1, 4,7 and 9 which show an approach which is indeed tremendously scholarly yet with a very practical edge.
Hearty congratulations once again and may you have many many more such successes in future!!

Dr. Sibichen K. Mathew has done a lot of research behind the psyche of a number of bosses and their subordinates in penning “When the boss is wrong”. The book has been written in quite simple style and narrative through a large number of anecdotes. This is an engaging and an interesting book. A must read for bosses as well as would be bosses in today’s corporate world.

Any book talking about ‘Taxes’ is considered to be very ‘dry’ and non-palatable for the general reader.  I bought a copy of the book on the day it was released by the Governor of Karanataka State. Let me tell you, without any exaggeration. The moment I reached home, I started reading the book. Believe me, I spent the entire night reading the book. I used to burn the midnight oil, only to read detective novels so far.
I must congratulate for the excellent research done. And more appreciation for presenting the same in a very interesting way. I would suggest this book for every taxpayer across the world.
B J Chacko (Former Member, Central Board of Direct Taxes) in conversation with the Author

My name  is Saikrishna,  a fresh entrant into the Indian Revenue Service. I had an opportunity to listen to your lecture at NADT and finally could read your amazing book “Making People Pay: The economic sociology of taxation “. I feel very happy after reading the book sir. It gave me a whole new perspective on taxation and importance of it. I was from Engineering background and was very apprehensive of my ability in understanding a book on taxation but thought with little bit of sociological imagination I could get something out of the book. But, the way you handled the complex topics ensured that I stuck to the book rather than running away from chapter skipping to another. Some chapters like those on Compliance and Enforcement were a little difficult to grasp as I lacked any sort of experience to keep myself more engaged with text. But, I am sure that when I would read the book again after completing significant part of induction I can enjoy these chapters too.
Thanks a lot for such a wonderful book sir. It is inspiring !
Cheers and Regards,

I love the way it is written. It is simple and easy to understand by anyone. The illustrations and the anecdotes that the author shares are far beyond interesting. Excellent amount of research done by the author and this book will help bosses and the subordinates in equal measure. Happy reading Boss!

“Sibichen, after listening to the PM today about post-demonetization secenario, I am convinced that your book “Making People Pay” had some great points to say about the need to have civic pride in paying taxes! Your book had pre-stated what today people are compelled to see as a virtue” (Received through SMS)

‘When the Boss is Wrong’ is one of the best books I have read recently. Sibichen very carefully highlights the nuances of being a good boss, with ample illustrations and every day examples, that one can relate to very easily. A seamless and interesting read, Sibichen has ensured relevance of content and practical take-aways till the last page of the book. A must read for all bosses and employees.

A wonderfully well researched and thought provoking look at bosses and bossism. Replete with stories of real world bosses – their idiosyncrasies coupled with management research on effective leadership. Amusing, engaging and insightful, this book is a must read for anyone who is or has a boss.

This book is highly recommended to everyone in corporate world. 

Coming from a sociologist and policy researcher, this book throws light on the psychology behind the perspectives of leadership through Sigmund Freud’s and Carl Jung’s theories. It offers insights on understanding the dynamics of leadership in an organization. With data consisting of anecdotes and interviews with employees, managers and CEOs of various organizations, the author offers tips on how one can become a successful leader. Interviews with Infosys co-founder S.D. Shibulal, Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Vodafone-India head Marten Pieters point to how they empower their teams.

Congratulations. Your book “ When the Boss is Wrong “ is really very good.

Recently I bought it from Hyderabad airport. It was really interesting and connecting with the readers.
I felt somewhere we all will connect to the characters you used as examples . 
 I decided to gift the book to some of my senior and middle managers so that they can get some idea and do corrective action in their day to day approach.
Once again congratulations for writing such a good book.
Regards

Good afternoon Sibichen!! I have just finished reading the book “when the boss is wrong”. I must appreciate the insights you have provided in this book! Though we really can’t change our bosses but this book is a wholesome guide to “how to become a reasonable boss” and how to maintain our confidence in situations when our boss behaves awkward!!
I could relate many of the things/facts narrated to the situations I faced! I really admire your optimism for the government institutions but I feel there has to be some institutional reforms brought about to create a nurturing working culture than a regressive one as is existing!!
I would like to share an experience I faced regarding ethics and appraisal ! In a case there was a wrongful claim by a Company and my boss always kept calling for the file , but never gave any set directions. I was very discouraged with this kind of attitude! But I disallowed the claim because I felt it I need to be ethical. The same boss had given me 9.9 out of 10 in appraisal in the previous year, but in the year despite best performance and exceeding the targets, he gave me a grading of around 6 plus. This single incident was a great setback to my morale and my zeal to do better work!!
The chapter on ‘Appraisals’ given in your book is superb. In my opinion the unjust appraisal systems do not gauge the correct performance. It really hurts to see incapable people get undue appreciation!!
. 
Sibichen, I strongly feel that this book should be read by all managers not only in the private sector, but also by those who are in the government sector. Regards, ……..”

Last week my son procured a copy of ‘When the Boss is Wrong’ from the Mumbai airport book shop, where it was prominently displayed. I started reading and finished a few chapters. I liked the theme and its presentation. The narrations are ‘practical’ and linked to real life. While reading the book,I got reminded of some bosses with whom I had interacted during my career. Lot of similar situations depicted in the book. I will get back to you later after completing the book.